Efficiency adjustments in power supply system

ABSTRACT

A power supply system for maintaining the efficiency of an AC/DC power conversion unit in relation to a load is disclosed. The load varies in response to power usage during operation of the power supply system. An AC power input and a DC power output of the power conversion unit direct DC power to attached components. A master controller disposed in the power supply system detects the load of an attached computer system through a DC meter and executes an algorithm to determine the values of circuit parameters of conversion circuits in the AC/DC power conversion unit. The master controller sends the values to a mode controller through a digital signal interface. The mode controller adjusts the operating mode of the conversion circuits and thus changes the efficiency of the AC/DC power conversion unit.

This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority fromTaiwan Patent Application 102149350, filed on Dec. 31, 2013.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to efficiency adjustments inpower supply systems, and more particularly, to adjusting the efficiencyof a power supply system according to a load.

A computer system is equipped with a power supply system for convertingalternating current (AC) power into direct current (DC) power. Ingeneral, the power supply system is categorized according to the maximumoutput power. For details of the power supply system, refer to IBMSystem×550 W High Efficiency Platinum AC Power Supply or IBM System×750W High Efficiency Platinum AC Power Supply.

In practice, the actual output power of the power supply system varieswith a load. Moreover, the conversion efficiency of the power supplysystem varies with the load. In general, the distribution of theconversion efficiencies depends on the design of a conversion circuit inthe power supply system. Hence, given the same load, efficiency stillvaries from conversion circuit to conversion circuit. For furtherdetails, refer to U.S. Pat. No. 8,391,036 filed by the applicant of thispatent application.

Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 8,391,036 teaches maintaining the optimalefficiency regardless of variations in a load and, to this end,discloses a power supply system which includes multiple parallelconversion circuits. The power supply system is characterized in thateach conversion circuit exhibits its respective efficiency; hence, thepower supply system gives considerations to the present load andaccordingly switches to any conversion circuit with preferred efficiency(that is, switches to the appropriate efficiency.) However, the powersupply system must include multiple conversion circuits at the expenseof production cost and to the detriment of space efficiency. Since thevolume of a power supply system is governed by industrial standards, thenumber of conversion circuits contained in a power supply system isquite limited.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure may include a power supply system, and amethod for maintaining the efficiency of an AC/DC power conversion unitin the power supply system according to a load. The load varies inresponse to power usage during operation of the power supply system. ACpower is received by an AC power input of the power supply system. Oneor more conversion circuits convert AC power received by the AC powerinput into DC power. A DC power output of the power supply systemdirects DC power to attached components. A master controller disposed inthe power supply unit detects the load of an attached computer system byway of a DC meter and executes an algorithm to determine a set ofcircuit parameters of the conversion circuits in the AC/DC powerconversion unit. The master controller sends the set of circuitparameters to a mode controller through a digital signal interface. Themode controller adjusts the operating mode of the conversion circuitsaccording to the master controller and thus changes the efficiency ofthe power supply unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the invention brieflydescribed above will be rendered by reference to specific embodimentsthat are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are nottherefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a computer system according to a specificembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a power conversion unit according to aspecific embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an aspect, the present invention puts forth adjusting the efficiencyof an AC/DC power supply unit in a power supply system according to aload. In particular, in an embodiment of the present invention, adigital controller or a micro chipset unit (MCU) is disposed in thepower supply unit, a host computer, or a power distribution unit. Thedigital controller detects a present load of a computer system (forexample, through a DC meter) and checks a list or executes an algorithmaccording to the present load so as to determine the “target values” ofthe parameters of conversion circuits in the power supply unit.Afterward, the digital controller sends the parameter target values to acontroller of the conversion circuits through a digital signalinterface. Hence, the controller of the conversion circuits adjusts theoperating mode of the conversion circuits according to the parametertarget values and thus changes the efficiency of the power supply unit,so as to reduce loss. The embodiment of the present invention dispenseswith the conventional need to provide multiple parallel conversioncircuits and thus circumvents the drawbacks thereof.

Moreover, in the embodiment of the present invention, light-load lossincurred by the power supply unit is reduced by adjusting the switch ofswitch components in the power supply unit (by Pulse Width Modulation(PWM), for example.) Unlike the prior art, the embodiment of the presentinvention not only reduces the required circuit area greatly, but alsoincreases the flexibility of variations in the efficiency of aconventional power supply to thereby maintain the optimal efficiencywithin a large load variation range and reduce unnecessary energy loss.

Moreover, since the present invention is applicable to a wide range ofvariations in a load, the present invention further discloses a recoverymechanism, for example, a phase modulation circuit. Upon detection thatthe load undergoes abrupt changes in a short period of time, the phasemodulation circuit starts the recovery mechanism whereby the conversioncircuits provide an operating mode of the load in the shortest possibleperiod of time and with the maximum phase number allowable by theconversion circuits so as to prevent the following phenomenon: if a highload suddenly crops up, the conversion circuits will instantaneouslyswitch during the operating mode of the low load and thus causeoverload. In particular, the phase modulation mechanism or anotherrecovery mechanism is implemented by a hardware circuit to therebyensure that its response duration is short enough, preferably, but notlimited to, by nanosecond time scale.

In an embodiment, a power supply system comprises:

-   -   an AC power input;    -   a DC power output for outputting DC power to a load of the power        supply system;    -   a power conversion unit for converting AC power from the AC        power input to DC power output by the DC power output, the power        conversion unit comprising a power conversion circuit and a        first controller, the first controller adjusting an operating        mode of the power conversion circuit according to a circuit        parameter, in order to change an efficiency of the power        conversion unit;    -   a DC meter for measuring the DC power output by the DC power        output and sending a power signal indicative of the measured        power; and    -   a second controller for receiving the power signal from the DC        meter and outputting a parameter setting signal to the first        controller according to the measured power indicated by the        power signal, wherein the first controller determines a value of        the circuit parameter according to the parameter setting signal.

In another embodiment, a power supplying method applied to the powersupply system, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   measuring the DC output power by the DC meter and sending the        power signal indicative of the measured power;    -   receiving the power signal, by the second controller from the DC        meter, and outputting the parameter setting signal to the first        controller according to the measured power indicated by the        power signal;    -   determining, by the first controller, the value of the circuit        parameter according to the parameter setting signal, and    -   adjusting the operating mode of the power conversion circuit        according to the determined value of the circuit parameter, in        order to change an efficiency of the power conversion unit.

In yet another embodiment, power supplying method applied to the powersupply system, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   determining the time-variable rate of the power of the DC power        output by the recovery circuit;    -   sending the recovery signal to the first controller by the        recovery circuit if the time-variable rate exceeds the threshold        value; and    -   determining the value of the circuit parameter according to the        recovery value by the first controller in response to the        recovery signal, and    -   adjusting the operating mode of the power conversion circuit        according to the determined value of the circuit parameter, in        order to change an efficiency of the power conversion unit.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language does not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the present invention should be or are in anysingle embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to thefeatures and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language,throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to thesame embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that theinvention may be practiced without one or more of the specific featuresor advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additionalfeatures and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments thatmay not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the invention brieflydescribed above will be rendered by reference to specific embodimentsthat are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are nottherefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the present inventionmay be embodied as a system/device, a method or a computer programproduct. Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of anentirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (includingfirmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodimentcombining software and hardware aspects that may all generally bereferred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore,the present invention may take the form of a computer program productembodied in any tangible medium of expression having computer-usableprogram code embodied in the medium.

Any combination of one or more computer usable or computer readablemedium(s) may be utilized. The computer-usable or computer-readablemedium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic,optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus,device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustivelist) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: anelectrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computerdiskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory(ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flashmemory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory(CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a transmission media such as thosesupporting the Internet or an intranet, or a magnetic storage device.Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium could even bepaper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, asthe program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, opticalscanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, orotherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then storedin a computer memory. In the context of this document, a computer-usableor computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store,communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or inconnection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.The computer-usable medium may include a propagated data signal with thecomputer-usable program code embodied therewith, either in baseband oras part of a carrier wave. The computer usable program code may betransmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited towireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc.

Computer program code for carrying out operations of the presentinvention may be written in any combination of one or more programminglanguages, including an object oriented programming language such asJava, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programminglanguages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programminglanguages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer,partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partlyon the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely onthe remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remotecomputer or server may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

The present invention is described below with reference to flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) andcomputer program products according to embodiments of the invention. Itwill be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/orblock diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computerprogram instructions. These computer program instructions may beprovided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purposecomputer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce amachine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor ofthe computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, createmeans for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchartand/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable medium that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instruction meanswhich implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer orother programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series ofoperational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/actsspecified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

Referring now to FIG. 1 through FIG. 2, systems/devices, methods, andcomputer program products are illustrated as structural or functionalblock diagrams or process flowcharts according to various embodiments ofthe present invention. The flowchart and block diagrams in the figuresillustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possibleimplementations of systems, methods and computer program productsaccording to various embodiments of the present invention. In thisregard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent amodule, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or moreexecutable instructions for implementing the specified logicalfunction(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware andcomputer instructions.

System Framework

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a schematic view of a computersystem 10 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.The computer system 10 comprises a power supply system 100 and a hostcomputer 150. Depending on the task it is executing, the host computer150 presents a load LD to the power supply system 100. The power supplysystem 100 converts AC power into DC power, such that DC power issupplied to the host computer 150. For the details of the power supplysystem 100, refer to the aforesaid IBM System×750 W High EfficiencyPlatinum AC Power Supply. Further details and the differences betweenthe present invention and the prior art are described later.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the host computer 150 comprises a systemmanagement controller 155, such as a baseboard management controller(BMC), an Integrated Management Module (IMM). For the structure thereofand the roles it plays in a server (especially its ability to monitorthe power consumption of the server), refer to IBM's IntegratedManagement Module for example. In another embodiment, the host computer150 does not include any baseboard management controller. The functionsof the baseboard management controller 155 in the embodiment of thepresent invention are described later.

Selectively, the host computer 150 is connected to the power supplysystem 100 through a power distribution unit (not shown). For furtherdetails of the power distribution unit, refer to IBM's powerdistribution unit product PDU+. In another embodiment (not shown), thepower supply system 100 supplies power to multiple host computers 150.

For the other details of the computer system 10, refer to IBM's SystemX, Blade Center, or eServer, for example.

Power Supply System

Referring to FIG. 1, the power supply system 100 comprises an AC powerinput 102, a DC power output 104, and a power conversion unit 106.

Preferably, the power conversion unit 106 comprises an AC/DC conversioncircuit 110 and a DC/DC conversion circuit 112. The AC/DC conversioncircuit 110 converts AC power into DC power. The DC/DC conversioncircuit 112 changes (regulates) the voltage of DC power generated fromthe AC/DC conversion circuit 110 and outputs DC power to the hostcomputer 150 through the DC power output 104. Understandably, the DC/DCconversion circuit 112 will be dispensable, if the voltage of DC powergenerated from the AC/DC conversion circuit 110 is suitable for use bythe host computer 150 or a power distribution unit (PDU, not shown) isdisposed between the host computer 150 and the power supply system 100.For related details, refer to existing power supply systems.

Moreover, the power supply system 100 further comprises a DC meter 108for measuring the output power of the DC power output 104. The DC meter108 is provided in the form of a current meter. Since the output voltageof the DC power output 104 is known, it is practicable to measure theoutput power and thus send a power signal PS indicative of the measuredoutput power of the DC power output 104.

The power supply system 100 further comprises a parameter settingcontroller 120. The parameter setting controller 120 receives a powersignal PS from the DC meter 108 and sends a parameter setting signal PPaccording to the output power (for example, 350 W, 550 W, or 700 W)indicated by the power signal PS. The parameter setting signal PP is foruse in setting the parameters of the power conversion unit 106(preferably the DC/DC conversion circuit 112.) In this embodiment, theparameter setting controller 120 is preferably a digital controller andhas a non-volatile memory (not shown) for storing a list LT. The list LTenumerates output powers and their respective set parameter values. Forexample, given output power of 350 W or 500 W, its respective setparameter values are different. The computer system 10 sets and changesthe set parameter values on the list LT. Hence, after receiving thepower signal PS, the parameter setting controller 120 refers to the listLT and sends the parameter setting signal PP indicative of therespective set parameter values.

In yet another embodiment not shown, parameter setting controller 120 isdisposed in the host computer 150, and the functions of the parametersetting controller 120 are performed through the baseboard managementcontroller 155. In a further embodiment, the baseboard managementcontroller 155 measures the power consumed by the host computer 150 andnot necessarily through the DC meter 108. In a further embodiment notshown in the figures, the parameter setting controller 120 is disposedin a power distribution unit. Understandably, the aforesaid technicalfeatures are included in the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows the power conversion unit 106. In addition to the AC/DCconversion circuit 110 and the DC/DC conversion circuit 112, the powerconversion unit 106 further comprises a mode controller 130 and a phasemodulation circuit 140.

As shown in the diagram, the mode controller 130 is electricallyconnected to the aforesaid components of the power conversion unit 106.In particular, the mode controller 130 controls the operating mode ofthe AC/DC conversion circuit 110 and/or the DC/DC conversion circuit112. The efficiency manifested by the power conversion unit 106 varieswith the operating mode of the AC/DC conversion circuit 110 and/or theDC/DC conversion circuit 112. The operating mode of the AC/DC conversioncircuit 110 and/or the DC/DC conversion circuit 112 can be changed bymeans of the circuit parameters (but the present invention is notlimited thereto) as follows:

(1) the switch frequency of the power component of the power controller;

(2) the gate driving voltage of the power control MOSFET;

(3) the phase number of the power control module; and

(4) the discontinuous current mode (DCM) or continuous current mode(CCM) of the power control module.

The aforesaid circuit parameters determine the efficiency manifested bythe conversion circuits—a technical feature which is well known topersons skilled in the art and thus is not described herein for the sakeof brevity.

In another embodiment, the power conversion unit 106 further comprisesan active heat dissipation module 135 provided in the form of a coolingfan, for example. The mode controller 130 is connected to an active heatdissipation module 135 and controls its operation, for example, slowingdown the rotation of the cooling fan in response to a low load. The morepower (wattage) the active heat dissipation module 135 consumes (forexample, because the cooling fan is rotating faster), the more power issupplied to the computer system 10, and thus the lower is the efficiency(i.e., efficiency ratio of output wattage to input wattage) of the powerconversion unit 106. Hence, by controlling the operation of the activeheat dissipation module 135, the mode controller 130 can change theefficiency manifested by the power conversion unit 106. Take a PWM fanas an example, the mode controller 130 changes the circuit parameter ofthe operating mode of the active heat dissipation module 135 to pulsemodulation width.

Referring to FIG. 1, the list LT enumerates given output powers andtheir respective set parameter values. For example, if the output powerindicated by the power signal PS is 500 W, the parameter settingcontroller 120 searches the list LT for values of circuit parameterscorresponding to power 500 W and sends the parameter setting signal PPindicative of the found parameter values. Then, the mode controller 130receives the parameter setting signal PP and configures the AC/DCconversion circuit 110 and/or the DC/DC conversion circuit 112 or eventhe operating mode of the active heat dissipation module 135 accordingto the parameter value (corresponding to power 500 W) indicated by theparameter setting signal PP. Hence, the power conversion unit 106manifests an efficiency corresponding to the output power of 500 W.

If the load changes subsequently, for example, when the output powerindicated by the power signal PS changes to 350 W (or 700 W), theparameter setting controller 120 searches the list LT for values ofcircuit parameters corresponding to power 350 W (or 700 W) and sends theparameter setting signal PP indicative of the found parameter values.Then, the mode controller 130 receives the parameter setting signal PPand configures the AC/DC conversion circuit 110 and/or the DC/DCconversion circuit 112 or even the operating mode of the active heatdissipation module 135 according to the parameter value (correspondingto power 350 W (or 700 W)) indicated by the parameter setting signal PP.Hence, the power conversion unit 106 manifests an efficiencycorresponding to the output power of 350 W (or 700 W) and thus has adistribution different from that of the efficiency corresponding to theoutput power of 500 W. The aforesaid parameters are illustrative ratherthan restrictive of the present invention, and thus the presentinvention can be exemplified by less or more parameters as needed.

In another embodiment, the mode controller 130 comprises a non-volatilememory (not shown) for restoring factory defaults corresponding to theaforesaid circuit parameters and configures the operating mode of theAC/DC conversion circuit 110, the DC/DC conversion circuit 112, and theactive heat dissipation module 135 according to the factory defaults.Preferably, the purpose of the efficiency manifested by the operatingmode configured according to the factory defaults is to effectuate theoptimal conversion efficiency in the presence of the rated maximum loadof the power supply system 100 (750 W for IBM System×750 W HighEfficiency Platinum AC Power Supply, for example). As soon as the DCmeter 108 detects that the load is less than the rated maximum load, theparameter setting controller 120 provides the parameter valuecorresponding to the present load (350 W, for example) to the modecontroller 130, and then the mode controller 130 adjusts the operatingmode of the AC/DC conversion circuit 110, the DC/DC conversion circuit112, and the active heat dissipation module 135, so as to change theefficiency of the power conversion unit 106 and thus effectuate theoptimal efficiency even in the presence of a load of 350 W.

In the aforesaid embodiments, the parameter setting controller 120 andthe mode controller 130 are provided in the form of digital controllerswhich communicate with each other by a digital signal protocol and sendthe parameter setting signal PP. Preferably, the parameter settingcontroller 120 sends the parameter setting signal PP to the modecontroller 130 by a Power Management Bus (PMBus) protocol.

Phase Modulation Circuit

By the aforesaid mechanism, the power conversion unit 106 allows theoperating mode of the circuits to vary with a load and thus changes theefficiency manifested. Referring to FIG. 1, the aforesaid embodimentsare characterized in that the parameter setting controller 120 not onlyreads the power signal PS to thereby measure the power of the presentload, but also searches a list or performs another algorithm mechanismto infer an appropriate parameter value, and the whole process (i.e.,the response duration) takes milliseconds. Hence, the adjustmentmechanism of the parameter setting controller 120 is seldom quick enoughto respond to an abrupt increase in a load.

Referring to FIG. 2, the power conversion unit 106 is equipped with thephase modulation circuit 140 which functions as a recovery mechanism fordetecting the variable power (wattage) of the DC power output 104. Sincethe DC power output 104 involves a fixed voltage output, and thus thephase modulation circuit 140 is simply provided in the form of a currentdifferentiator.

As soon as the variable power of the DC power output 104 exceeds athreshold value, the phase modulation circuit 140 sends a recoverysignal SR to the mode controller 130. Preferably, the mode controller130 comprises a non-volatile memory (not shown) for storing recoveryvalues (the factory defaults, for example) corresponding to the circuitparameters. Upon receipt of the recovery signal SR, the operating modeof the AC/DC conversion circuit 110, the DC/DC conversion circuit 112,and the active heat dissipation module 135 are configured according tothe recovery values. Hence, due to the efficiency manifested by theoperating mode configured according to the recovery values, there is theoptimal conversion efficiency in the presence of the rated maximum loadof the power supply system 100.

The purpose of the phase modulation circuit 140 is to prevent thefollowing phenomenon: if the power conversion unit 110 is configured fora low load from the host computer 150 and the host computer suddenlydraws a high load, the conversion circuits inside the power conversionunit with instantaneously switch and cause an overload. Conversely, thephase modulation circuit 140 is not intended for the optimal conversionefficiency. The phase modulation circuit 140 is implemented by ahardware circuit and thus its response duration is short enough,preferably, but not limited to, to achieve nanosecond time scale or tobe at least faster than the parameter setting controller 120. If theload increases quickly initially but fails to attain the rated maximumload ultimately, it will be practicable for the parameter settingcontroller 120 to optimize the conversion efficiency according to themeasured load. The present invention is not limited to the aforesaidrecovery mechanism but includes a recovery mechanism for adjusting theother parameters.

The foregoing preferred embodiments are provided to illustrate anddisclose the technical features of the present invention, and are notintended to be restrictive of the scope of the present invention. Hence,all equivalent variations or modifications made to the foregoingembodiments without departing from the spirit embodied in the disclosureof the present invention should fall within the scope of the presentinvention as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A power supplying method for changing theefficiency of a power conversion unit, the method comprising: measuring,by a DC meter, a change in DC power of a DC power output, the changeindicative of a new load being drawn from the DC power output; sending,by the DC meter, a power signal indicative of the change in the DCpower; receiving, by a second controller, the power signal; outputting,by the second controller, a parameter setting signal to a firstcontroller in response to the power signal; determining, by the firstcontroller, a value of a circuit parameter according to the parametersetting signal; and adjusting, by the first controller, an operatingmode of a power conversion circuit according to the value such that thepower conversion unit increases in efficiency while the new load isbeing drawn from the DC power output.
 2. The power supplying method ofclaim 1 further comprising: determining, by a recovery circuit, variablepower of the DC power output; sending, by the recovery circuit, arecovery signal to the first controller in response to the variablepower exceeding a threshold value; determining, by the first controller,the value of the circuit parameter according to a recovery value inresponse to the recovery signal; and adjusting, by the first controller,the operating mode of the power conversion circuit according to thedetermined value of the circuit parameter.
 3. The power supplying methodof claim 1, wherein the power conversion unit increase in efficiency isrelative to the efficiency of the DC power output after the new loadbegan being drawn but before the adjustment occurred.
 4. The powersupplying method of claim 1, wherein the power conversion unit includesan active heat dissipation module, and wherein the adjusting of theoperating mode includes adjusting the active heat dissipation module. 5.The power supplying method of claim 1, wherein the power conversioncircuit includes an AC-DC conversion circuit, wherein the adjusting ofthe operating mode includes adjusting operation of the AC-DC conversioncircuit.
 6. The power supplying method of claim 1, wherein the powerconversion circuit includes an AC-DC conversion circuit and a DC-DCconversion circuit, wherein the adjusting of the operating mode includesadjusting operation of the DC-DC conversion circuit.
 7. The powersupplying method of claim 1, wherein the power conversion circuitincludes an AC-DC conversion circuit and a DC-DC conversion circuit,wherein the adjusting of the operating mode includes adjusting operationof the AC-DC conversion circuit, and the adjusting of the operating modefurther includes adjusting operation of the DC-DC conversion circuit. 8.A method for changing the efficiency of a power conversion unit of apower supply, the method comprising: measuring, by the power supply, aDC power draw from a DC power output indicative of a new load;determining, by the power supply, one or more parameter values toconfigure a power conversion circuit for increased efficiency at the newload; outputting, by the power supply and to the power conversion unit,a parameter setting signal containing the one or more parameter values;determining, by the power conversion unit, an updated operating modebased on the one or more parameter values of the parameter settingsignal; and adjusting, by the power conversion unit, operation of thepower conversion circuit to the updated operating mode.
 9. The method ofclaim 8 further comprising: detecting, by the power conversion unit,variable power of the DC power output that exceeds the new load;determining, by the power conversion unit, a recovery mode based on oneor more recovery parameters stored in the power conversion unit; andadjusting, by the power conversion unit, operation of the powerconversion circuit to the recovery mode.
 10. The method of claim 8,wherein the power conversion unit includes an active heat dissipationmodule, the method further comprising: determining, by the power supply,one or more variable values to configure the active heat dissipationmodule for increased efficiency at the new load; outputting, by thepower supply and to the power conversion unit, a variable setting signalcontaining the one or more variable values; determining, by the powerconversion unit, an updated module operating mode based on the one ormore variable values of the variable setting signal; and adjusting, bythe power conversion unit, operation of the active heat dissipationmodule to the updated module operating mode.
 11. The method of claim 8,wherein the power conversion circuit includes an AC-DC conversioncircuit, wherein the adjusting operation of the power conversion circuitfurther includes adjusting operation of the AC-DC conversion circuit.12. The method of claim 8, wherein the power conversion circuit includesan AC-DC conversion circuit and a DC-DC conversion circuit, wherein theadjusting operation of the power conversion circuit further includesadjusting operation of the DC-DC conversion circuit.
 13. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the power conversion circuit includes an AC-DCconversion circuit and a DC-DC conversion circuit, wherein the adjustingoperation of the power conversion circuit further includes adjustingoperation of the AC-DC conversion circuit and further includes adjustingoperation of the DC-DC conversion circuit.
 14. A power supplying methodfor changing the efficiency of a power conversion unit, the methodcomprising: operating, by a first controller, a power conversion circuitat a first operating mode, the first operating mode based on one or morestored circuit parameter values contained in the power conversion unit,the first operating mode enabling the power conversion unit to provideDC power at a first load; detecting, by a DC meter, a decrease in DCpower being drawn from the first load to a second load; transmitting, bythe DC meter and to a second controller, a first power signal indicativeof the decrease in DC power to the second load; determining, by thesecond controller, one or more circuit parameter values to operate thepower conversion circuit at a second operating mode, the secondoperating mode enabling the power conversion circuit to provideincreased efficiency over the first operating mode at the second load;sending, by the second controller and to the first controller, aparameter setting that contains the one or more circuit parametervalues; and adjusting, by the first controller, operation of the powerconversion circuit to the second operating mode based on the one or morecircuit parameter values.
 15. The power supplying method of claim 14,further comprising: determining, by a recovery circuit, an increase inDC power being drawn from the second load to a third load; sending, bythe recovery circuit, a recovery signal to the first controller inresponse to the determined increase in DC power; determining, by thefirst controller, a third operating mode of the power conversioncircuit, the third operating mode based on one or more stored recoveryparameters contained in the power conversion unit, the third operatingmode enables the power conversion unit to provide DC power at or abovethe third load; and adjusting, by the first controller, operation of thepower conversion circuit to the third operating mode based on the one ormore stored recovery parameters.
 16. The power supplying method of claim15, wherein the third load is equal to the first load.
 17. The powersupplying method of claim 14, wherein the power conversion unit includesan active heat dissipation module capable of operating at the firstoperating mode and the second operating mode, and wherein the secondoperating mode further enables the active heat dissipation module toprovide increased efficiency over the first operating mode at the secondload, the method comprising: determining, by the second controller, oneor more module parameter values to operate the active heat dissipationmodule at the second operating mode; sending, by the second controllerand to the first controller, a module parameter setting signal thatcontains the one or more module parameter values; and adjusting, by thefirst controller, operation of the active heat dissipation module to thesecond operating mode based on the one or more module parameter values.18. The method of claim 14, wherein the power conversion circuitincludes an AC-DC conversion circuit, wherein the adjusting operation ofthe power conversion circuit further includes adjusting operation of theAC-DC conversion circuit.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the powerconversion circuit includes an AC-DC conversion circuit and a DC-DCconversion circuit, wherein the adjusting operation of the powerconversion circuit further includes adjusting operation of the DC-DCconversion circuit.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the powerconversion circuit includes an AC-DC conversion circuit and a DC-DCconversion circuit, wherein the adjusting operation of the powerconversion circuit further includes adjusting operation of the AC-DCconversion circuit and further includes adjusting operation of the DC-DCconversion circuit.